Best Honeymoon Destinations in the Philippines: From Private Islands to Mountain Adventures
The best honeymoon destinations in the Philippines range from luxurious private paradise islands to affordable beach getaways and mountain adventures. Think clear blue waters for diving or snorkeling and long, powdery beaches. Or disconnect from the world and breathe in fresh, crisp mountain air. How about hitting up hip bars in a buzzing city? Whatever are your specs for honeymoon destination, you can’t go wrong with the Philippines.
Best Islands in Asia For Honeymooners
With over 7,000 islands to its name, the Philippines has risen to honeymoon bucket lists in recent years. This tropical country is best known for its amazing beaches with three of its islands named the best in Asia by Conde Nast Travel and Travel + Leisure.
Nature Lover’s Dream Honeymoon
With a vastly diverse landscape and topography, the Philippines is any nature lover’s dream destination. What’s more romantic than watching a splendid sunset lounging on a white sand beach or overlooking the mountains?
Honeymoon Destinations in the Philippines Fit All Budgets
Add affordable prices (mostly) everywhere in the country, and the Philippines is a perfect choice for any honeymoon – for any budget!
Wondering where to celebrate your newly-wedded bliss? If you’re looking to cuddle up with your new husband or wife, here are some of the best honeymoon destinations in the Philippines.
All pictures in this post are from Pixabay (free license).
EL NIDO, PALAWAN
Famous Luxury Resorts for Honeymooners
There’s no denying it: Palawan is the pride and joy of the Philippines for honeymooners. Hailed for many years as one of the country’s most beautiful islands, Palawan is a favorite for locals and travelers. Its crystal blue waters are home to thriving corals and reefs surrounded by limestone cliffs and deserted islets.
Honeymoon in El Nido’s Private Islands
El Nido, in particular, is a dream destination for a luxury honeymoon. The town is located at the tip Palawan and known for some of the most luxurious resorts in the country.
Most of these resorts are perched on their own private islands, ensuring utmost luxury for their guests. Back in town, many hotels and AirBnB’s have created budget accommodations for all kinds of travelers.
Island Hopping Honeymoon in El Nido
Island hopping around El Nido is a breathtaking way to celebrate a honeymoon. There are several packages to choose from, each one highlighting different locations in El Nido.
Public island hopping tours come at a standard rate. Most resorts also offer private and exclusive tours on speedboats and yachts for couples who simply want to spend the most time with each other. You can be as private or as social as you can be in El Nido.
Swim your way through El Nido’s lagoons, cave pools, and marine sanctuaries, and enjoy lunch or dinner picnics on one of the many paradise islands. If you pick El Nido for your honeymoon destination, breathtaking sceneries are guaranteed.
Best Lodges for Luxury, Mid-Range and Budget Honeymoon in El Nido, Palawan
You can check all the best accommodation options available in el Nido from here.
There are great options for all the different budget ranges.
BUSUANGA, PALAWAN
Serene Honeymoon Destination for Diving and Snorkeling
Another town in Palawan is Busuanga, found two hours away from the more popular Coron town. While Coron is an amazing destination in itself, Busuanga is far more quiet, far more private, and far more luxurious.
Snorkeling and Diving Honeymoon in Busuanga
If you’re a couple who dives, then you’ve hit the jackpot: just a few kilometers from the bay area are the best Japanese shipwrecks sunk during World War II. Honeymoon in Busuanga Bay allows you to spend every day snorkeling, diving, or simply enjoying each other’s company in the comfort of cliffside resorts.
Other Things to Do in Busuanga
You can also book speedboat rides to neighboring islands, or even set up private dinners or picnics by the shore. However, Busuanga is a very sleepy and quiet town, and there isn’t much to explore outside of your resort when night comes.
Honeymoon in Busuanga is for couples who want to be blown away by thriving marine life and a wealth of islands in the day and spend the rest of the night in each other’s loving company.
Getting to Busuanga, Philippines
Flying into the airport at Coron from Manila, Busuanga Bay is an hour’s drive in the opposite direction from the more crowded Coron Town. Around the bay is a collection of high-end resorts that share sunset views and blue waters.
Best Lodges for Luxury, Mid-Range and Budget Honeymoon in Busuanga, Palawan
Grab your favorites from here.
Check these articles to get inspired!
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AMANPULO, PALAWAN
Ultimate Luxury Honeymoon in Palawan
Amanpulo’s list of visitors includes Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Beyonce, and many of the Philippines’ biggest stars and politicians. Without a doubt, Amanpulo is among the best luxurious honeymoon destinations in the Philippines.
Exclusive Luxury Destination for Honeymooners
Considered as the most VIP luxury island in the Philippines, Amanpulo is only reachable via private plane from Manila. This 1.5-mile long paradise exudes opulence and exclusivity in every sense of the word.
Secluded Casitas with Direct Beach Access
Amanpulo offers forty “casitas” for honeymooners and private villas for sale for the super wealthy. Each casita has direct beach access, an outdoor shower, private deck with hammocks, gargantuan bathtub, and a designated “guest assistant” that will be on your beck and call throughout your stay.
With so much pampering to be done in individual casitas, it’s not uncommon to spend their days in their own patches of beach with barely any other guests in sight.
The Best Things to Do in Amanpulo
However, thrill seekers won’t be left hanging. A myriad of water activities include snorkeling trips, windsurfing, paddle boarding, and diving. Monitor lizards also inhabit the island, which are common all over Palawan. They’re pretty harmless, but if they make you squirm, then couples can simply drive themselves around in their private buggy. Relax in the lounge pool, treetop spa, or go for a game of tennis at the clubhouse.
BATANES, PHILIPPINES
Off the Beaten Path Honeymoon in the Philippines
Batanes is not a common choice for many travelers, but a destination that will surely take your breath away. Batanes is the Philippines’ northernmost province and gives a completely different perspective of what the country looks like as an island country. It’s the best honeymoon destination for those who would like to venture off the beaten path.
Mountainous Islands for Drastic Views
Batanes is composed of 10 islands scattered over the Luzon Strait, all of which formed from volcanic origins. Unlike many other islands in the Philippines, Batanes is hilly and mountainous with viewpoints miles above the waves crashing into cliffs.
From Sand Beaches to Rocky Coastline
The coves and beaches of Batanes are truly unique. While it still boasts of white and cream sand beaches, you’ll find beaches covered with pebbles, rocky coasts and ridges, and many hidden coves.
Nature Loving Couple’s Dream Destination
The diverse shoreline makes Batanes an exciting destination for both land- and sea-lovers. At the very least, the landscapes in the province are surreal with a very long list of viewpoints for panoramic views of mountain, sky, and sea. It has a very countryside feel, and couples are sure to get some real quality time discovering the wonders of the province.
Couples will surely find a trip to Batanes to be memorable and different from anywhere else they can visit in the Philippines. With vast meadows and staggering peaks, it’s also a great time for couples to be alone with nature and just breathe in the beauty of Batanes.
BORACAY
Philippines Island Honeymoon For All Budgets
Boracay is in every “best of” Philippines list, and for a good reason. It should be also dubbed as the best honeymoon destination for budget travelers.
After Boracay’s rehabilitation in 2018, the island has shed its previous reputation of being a party island filled with crowds of people. Now, it’s the very picture of island paradise – powdery white sand, bright blue waters, and splendid sunsets.
From Luxury to Budget Honeymoon in the Philippines
For honeymooners, Boracay is a great place to relax and unwind. Luxury resorts are lined along the beach or tucked in the forested center of the island. There are beachfront accommodations for every budget as well. There are also many spas on the island from luxury to budget, and even on lounge chairs right on the shore.
Best Things to Do in Boracay
Life in Boracay is very chill, but there are many activities that couples can enjoy together that can be taken right out of a romantic movie. There’s horseback riding on the beach, parasailing over the water, or even a helicopter ride to take in the view of the whole island from above.
Banaue
Adventurous Honeymoon in the Philippines
Banaue isn’t your typical sunset-by-the-beach kind of honeymoon. A good 10 hours from Manila, Banaue first gained popularity for the rice terraces created by indigenous tribes decades ago. Now, Banaue has become a nature-lovers dream destination.
For an adventurous honeymoon in the Philippines, head to the mountains and be awed by the lushness of Banaue.
Affordable and Authentic Honeymoon Destination
With barely any luxury resorts, couples can cozy up in small hostels run by locals, unlike most of the resorts anywhere else in the country that are run by expats. Life in Banaue is very simple and gives visitors a great way to disconnect from the rest of the world and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Best Things to Do in Banaue
Local culture reigns supreme in Banaue, with many of the adventures centered around life up in the mountains. Go through village walks, paddy tours, or treacherous hikes – there’s something for every level of adventurer.
CEBU
Honeymoon in the Philippines with Beaches, Nightlife, Food, and Festivals
Cebu is one of our favorite honeymoon destinations in the Philippines. Honeymoon in Cebu offers a mix of metropolitan and island life plus some of the best cuisines you’ll find in the country at only a fraction of the cost in Manila.
From Luxury Honeymoon to Affordable Honeymoon Options
There are many municipalities in Cebu, most of which have been developed for tourism giving travelers a great selection of luxury and budget accommodations, fantastic beaches, and even better tours.
The most high-end resorts are found in Mactan, while municipalities along the coastline of Cebu have a mix of international hotels and local accommodations.
Things to Do in Cebu, the Philippines
Honeymooners can start their trip in Mactan or Cebu City to enjoy the city abuzz with events, festivals, and a happening nightlife. There’s an endless list of great restaurants in with awesome viewpoints for a romantic dinner.
After life in the city, couples can head off to the many fantastic beaches in Cebu. Snorkelers and divers will enjoy the rich marine life in the many reefs around the province. Every kind of water activity imaginable is possible in Cebu, or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the blue waters of the Cebu province.
Philippines – Honeymooner’s Dream Destination
For honeymooners, peace, quiet, and quality time are important in picking a place to mark their new life together. In the Philippines, the serenity of honeymoon destinations can be spiced up with exciting activities from snorkeling, diving, and adrenaline activities like parasailing to horseback riding and hiking.
The list of must-see destinations in the Philippines is long. Even if you pick one honeymoon destination out of this list, you’ll and get a taste of the beauty and magic of the Philippines.
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How to Rent a Car in Malta
If you want to see everything that Malta has to offer in a short time – rent a car! Maltese traffic has a notorious reputation, but if you’re a confident driver, renting a car is the best option the explore Malta and its sister island, Gozo. Read on to catch the best tips on car rentals in Malta.
Why You Should Rent a Car in Malta
Malta might be a small country with a total land area of 316 km². But this fantastic archipelago right in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea is home to some of the world’s top-rated holiday destinations. There are just too many bucket-list worthy places to miss in this tiny archipelagic country. If you like more autonomy with your time and location, it would be wise to rent a car.
Some of Malta’s highlights include Ggantija Temples, a neolithic structure older than the Stonehenge. The idyllic hilltop town Mdina deserves your visit as much as the picturesque islands of Gozo and Comino. Many travelers consider Gozo’s capital Victoria as an open-air museum with its countless historical attractions such the fortified old city called Citadel, the Casa Bernard, Wignacourt Museum, and the parish church of Saint Paul.
Where and How to Rent a Car in Malta
It’s quite easy to find a car for rent in Malta. You can find cars available for rent at the airport and major tourist areas. You can reserve a vehicle with either a local or international agency.
There’s also an option to rent an ultra-budget car that doesn’t have an air-conditioning system. Just be sure to use an online booking and rate comparison app to find the best deals.
You can do your booking online, or you can visit the car rental service provider only when you arrive in the country. You also have the option to have the car delivered to your hotel, or you can pick it up when you arrive at the airport. Car hire agents will usually check the car and make sure it doesn’t have any pre-existing damage. Car agencies usually need you to pay the reservation fee just in case of fines or damages.
Seasonal Car Rental Rates
The cost of renting a car in Malta depends on the season. However, if you book ahead of time, you’ll be able to take advantage of huge discounts and other early booking freebies.
Car rental rates are higher during the peak seasons July to September. To give you a quick glance at the rates, here’s a sample estimate of a daily rent for a small economy car for rent:
- January & February – €10
- March – €12
- April, May & June – €15
- July & August – €25 – €30
- September – €20
- October – €16
- November & December – €11
As for the fuel, diesel cost €1 to €2 per liter and unleaded petrol is €1.30-€2 per liter. Before you book online, discuss with the agency about other charges for the car you have rented. This might include the pickup or dropoff location and insurances.
Perks of Renting a Car in Malta
Considering Malta’s small land area, you might be tempted to just take the public transport. Yes, it’s practical to commute if you’re a resident. But if you’re a traveler, it makes perfect sense to rent a car for the following reasons:
● More autonomy with location – Renting a car gives you more freedom to visit wherever you want to visit. You can stay in a place for as long as you want. You can even take your car with you on a ferry going to Gozo.
● Time freedom – With your rental car, you’re free to go anywhere anytime. You can avoid the rush hour and spend your time anywhere you want.
● Savings – If you’re traveling during peak seasons, the cost of public transport can also increase. By opting to rent a car, you can actually stretch your budget.
● Travel with convenience and style – Aside from visiting natural attractions, you’ll enjoy the chance of traveling with style when you visit museums, hotels, cities, and towns in Malta.
Additional Tips Before Renting a Car in Malta
Before signing a deal with a car rental agency, check the state of the car. Read the fine print of your terms and conditions to ensure that there are no hidden charges. Know if you have the option to hire a driver. If you need to drive the car yourself, make sure to do your own research about the traffic rules of Malta.
Maltese Road Law Enforcement Tips
If you choose to drive the car, you hired, be sure to know the Maltese road laws. Doing this will save you from incurring fines. Specifically, the following are the most important ones you need to take note:
● Stick to the acceptable speed limit of 60 to 70 km/h. There are hidden speed cameras installed strategically within the city and the countryside.
● Police frequently patrol urban areas. They also put up checkpoint areas for illegal substances and drunk driving.
● Malta’s Highway Code http://www.transport.gov.mt/roads-infrastructure/the-highway-code is basically patterned after the British Highway Code.
● Parking assistants overlooking parking areas in public areas are usually licensed by the Malta Transport Authority.
● Malta follows the left-hand drive traffic rule, which they got from the British.
Renting a car in Malta might just be the best decision you can make to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable holiday. With your rental car, you can find ways to go out of the ordinary, as well as enjoy more freedom with your location and time while exploring Malta.
This post is written by a guest blogger, Ed Lansink. He is the founder and editor of Malta Uncovered, a travel guide for curious travelers looking to discover Malta. He’s a passionate tourist-turned-expat who wants to put Malta on the map as a top holiday destination for travelers all over the world.
How to Travel With A Dog: Tips for Traveling Dog Owners
When you’re traveling with a dog, you need to choose destinations, hotels, restaurant, tours, and activities that are dog-friendly. Plan carefully, check airline pet policies before booking flights and remember to pack for your pooch. Read on for inspiration and tips on how to travel with your dog!
Take Your Dog on the Adventure of a Lifetime
Vacations are planned for children every year. Dogs should have vacations too! If you’re a dog lover or dog owner who loves to travel and go on adventures, then perhaps you should bring your dog along for the ride!
It’s not necessary to leave your dog at home alone when you travel. You could bring him along for the adventure or create an adventure specifically for him. Why should your best friend be stuck at a kennel while you’re having the time of your life on the road? Bring that tail-wagging wanderluster along for the ride and share the adventure of a lifetime together!
Not only would it be a good bonding experience for both of you, but it would also help you stay active together. Your dog would get to have a life outside of the house, you’d get to have an exercise buddy, and you wouldn’t have to feel guilty about leaving your furry friend at home while you’re out exploring the world.
Famous Traveling Dogs
Have you heard of the tale of Gobi, the stray mutt who chose her owner while following him on an ultra-marathon in the Gobi Desert? How about Roadside Paco, the dog who almost got run over accidentally by an adrenaline lover and ended up becoming his road dog for life?
These are tales of dogs that became their owner’s trusted travel companions. Those stories are also about active dogs and their owners. Getting inspired? Great, let’s uncover the secrets of dog travel!
Before Your First Dog-Friendly Trip
Traveling with a dog isn’t always that easy. Unless you have a camper, you’ll have to find dog-friendly accommodations and tether him outside when you’re entering an establishment that doesn’t permit dogs.
Luckily, some online businesses including Bring Fido are an excellent travel resource for pet-friendly places. The site lists dog-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, beaches, hiking trails, tours – you name it. It’s a useful resource for everyone traveling with a dog.
Obviously, a doggy vacation needs to be an outdoor one because:
A) What dog would want to see a museum, and
B) What museum would allow a dog inside?
You and your dog both deserve to have an adventure-filled vacation with beautiful sights, smells, and picture-worthy backgrounds. If you’re traveling with a dog, plan your adventures accordingly.
Naturally, your dog needs a passport and vaccinations. Make sure to pack also other things, like towels, extra leash, medicines, etc. Check that your dog’s identification tag is up to date.
One more thing before your planned take-off: does your dog have an Instagram account? He might want to pose for some cool shots for his followers to see!
Air Travel With a Dog
If you’re flying to your destination, make sure you’re aware of the general airline rules for traveling with a pet. Always check the airline’s pet policies and restrictions before booking a flight.
Smaller dogs can sometimes fit in a carrier under the seat, while larger dogs usually have to be checked into the cargo area in a crate. The latter can be stressful for an anxious dog. Therapy and service dogs can fly with their handlers on board, but this designation is for certified animals only.
Check with the airlines to find out their policies, fees and required forms before you book air travel with your dog. You might need to pick a dog-friendly airline to smoothen the adventure for your doggie.
Not all of us are as lucky as the Japanese, who now have the Wan Wan Jet Tour package from Japan Airlines. The three-day tour gives passengers the luxury to fly with their dogs, stay in pet-friendly accommodations, ride in rented cars and even eat at restaurants together. Maybe one day, other countries and airlines will get on board.
Dog-Friendly Road Trip
If you live close enough to your destination, driving would be the best option for you and your pet. Besides, who doesn’t love a good road trip?
First, you’ll want to prepare your car for the trip. This could mean having a dog bowl on the floor of the back seat or trunk (if you have an SUV/hatchback), a seat cover to keep fur from shedding onto the upholstery, and a harness to keep your doggie buckled in.
Your dog might be the type that loves to stick his head out of a window, so you can provide a lift if she’s a wee one. Just make sure she’s fastened to a seatbelt, so she doesn’t jump out the window.
A crate might be necessary for some dogs. Your lap is never a safe place for the dog during a road trip. Car safety for dogs is just as important as safety for humans, and some state laws are stricter than others. Remember to make frequent bathroom stops, and never leave your pup alone in a hot car.
Be Active Together
When choosing an adventure, you can make the journey the destination, meaning that getting to your destination can be a journey in and of itself. It is not only possible for active people to stay fit while traveling, but the activity can be built into the vacation spots.
Give your dog the exercise that he needs and have fun together! The activities listed below can be picked up along the way as part of your road stops if they’re not already part of the vacation destination.
Dog-Friendly Hiking
Find a hike that’s dog-friendly and safe for Rover to explore. REI has rounded up the top 7 dog-friendly hiking trails in the U.S., but you could also do an Internet search for trails closer to or on the way to your destination.
Not every hike is dog-friendly, and you’ll usually know when you enter the trailhead and are greeted by a “No dogs allowed” sign.
It may seem unnatural for an outdoor hike to forbid animals whose instinct is to be outside, but the fact remains that many national parks are maintained for human use. There’s the concern that dogs will leave their waste behind, have unfriendly encounters with other humans or wild animals, or stray off-trail into protected or dangerous territories. Anything goes in the unmanned wild, but not in government-managed hiking trails.
Trail Running
During a long car ride, it’s good to stop and stretch your legs. You and your pup can stop for a trail run to keep the blood pumping and the muscles from cramping. Riding in a car all day and remaining sedentary isn’t healthy for either of you, and your dog’s bladder will appreciate the relief. Like hiking, you’ll need to find a trail that allows dogs.
Kayaking and Surfing With Dogs
Why not try a water sport with your dog instead, especially on a hot day? If you find yourself driving by a lake that offers kayaking, make a pit stop/activity break.
Dogs can go kayaking if they’re wearing a flotation device, and they can even jump into the water for a swim to cool off. It might take a little adjusting to get your Princess comfortable, but once she’s on board, she’ll never want to get off that boat.
You can surf with your dog, too! It’s best that you’re a skilled surfer and your dog is calm, fearless and trainable. With practice, it could turn into a new hobby for those who live near a beach.
Final Revelation on Dog Travel
The hardest part of traveling with a dog is getting started. Your first adventure will teach you both a lot. So, plan carefully and take a small adventure for starters: the first trip is always the hardest.
If you’re already a dog travel expert, please share your doggie travel tips and tricks with us in the comments below!
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